Athankfulheart

In my experience this has not been a problem, even when the person has a separate S&S account. My understanding is that the charge acct is linked to the individual and not the cabin. When you do your online registration you should be able to do each separately even though you may share a cabin. That is how we set up the accounts for our children ( including adults). If it was me, I wouldn't want to be on the phone either.

If I were you, I would set up their personal account at registration and then haul everyone to guest services once on board with a piece of paper that lists each cabin number and the occupants as you want them. Worst case scenario you could just get an extra key for the correct cabin, for the switchers. Like I said though, it hasn't been a problem in the past to move occupants. The only time that this is a problem for us is our next sailing when we have to deal with kids/ages/rules of proximity to parents :rolleyes:

"I didn't read all responses, but an over the door shoe hanger is great. I usually put zip ties loosely in the hanger holes and hang it on the wall outside of the bathroom on the hooks where they put your "cruisin/snoozin" sign."

THIS is an excellent idea ! I like it so much better than hanging it on the door :)

And to the person who mentioned never getting hotel rooms for your kids... this works nicely when you have the "starter kit", but not so much when you have the "bonus pack". Having 4 in a cabin is no big deal for us, we have two of them PLUS a cabin for two when we cruise together. I can understand why having your children in another cabin might be a big deal though.

If your son can't use a regular cup or a straw I'd throw in another sippy or two just to be safe.. Today we were out for a doctors appointment and my 12.5 month old DS threw his sippy somewhere without us noticing. We didn't realize it until we were seated at TGIFridays and he started asking (loudly and repeatedly) for a drink. My DH had to leave and drive 3 blocks down to buy a new one at babies r us while I waited for our food. I added some spares to our bag for our cruise next week as soon as we got home since we definitely won't have the "buy another" option at sea!

When a little one learns how to use a straw, its reason to celebrate :)

Incase you find yourself in this predicament again and he doesn't yet know how to use a straw, try this. Put a straw down into a glass of water and then seal the top end with your fingertip. Pull the straw up and let him drink from the bottom end as you slowly release the "seal". This has saved us on many occasions :p

We had an aft wrap on our last trip on the Dream. We wound up buying spa passes. We loved the spa almost as much as our wrap :) This time we decided on a spa balcony, which worked out to be a bargain and also means smoke free neighboring balconnies. We originally had cabin 11222 because it would be directly across from our children. After much hand wringing about the fact that it was a connecting cabin as well as being right under the gym, we moved to a different cabin. I read a review of this cabin and it was all I needed to finally decide that it was worth the trouble of switching. Won't be directly across from the kids now, but close enough. I knew that ruined sleep by early morning treadmills or late night neighbors TV would put a huge damper on my vacay.

The spa privileges are afforded to passengers 1 and 2. You could buy a pass for the others though !

I have two types of pillows. I use one more than the other and that is the one that I bring with me. My other pillow is a lot like the pillows on my fav cruise line, so I don't really need it. You wouldn't know that I have it unless you were my cabin attendant because I roll it and pack it in my checked luggage.

I bought FTTF for a couple of cabins in our group. All I needed was their booking number, name and date of birth. When you go to Manage my cruise and scroll down and choose "add a booking" you can fill in the info and gain access to their booking. I bought the FTTF and printed the receipt. Now, if your recipient looks at their booking often and thoroughly then they would see FTTF under activities, but for my purposes this wasn't a problem. You can also do this WITHOUT signing into your own booking by choosing " quick booking access"

FTTF became available the day after we booked our cruise 385 days out. Later on we had more friends book and FTTF was sold out. 5 opened up at about the 80 days out mark. Our group bought 4 of them and the last one was bought by someone on my role call... faster than I could even get over there to tell them about it ! I believe that those were most likely cancelations ( based on some observations I was making with cabins) so I figure that its still possible that Carnival will open up another block of them between now and Jan. I would say definitely keep looking !

One good thing about an interior is that it can be "night" in the middle of the day ;). Play up Camp Carnival now. Bribery isn't out of the question either :D

That's so fun :)

We are cruising with a bunch of people in January and I am the only one who knows that one of the families are coming ( surprise for their kids Christmas) and its been so hard to keep the secrets! Well, it is their first cruise and I bought her a LUG travel wallet in her favorite color (green) to keep her family organized. I also can't wait to give it to her ! I decided that I will give it for an anniversary gift ( end of Nov) and give it to her privately so nobody will wonder why she needs a travel wallet, LOL. I'm giving it to her on the 23rd, so 15 more days to wait :(

We used to patronize a private school in Southern California that had no problems with our being the decision makers for our children (vacation days or otherwise) . Now we are in the "homeschool district" and have still have no issues. Our local public school is comparable to some of the more controlling ones mentioned above. On a local level it really is all about the funding. On a higher level it is a bit different..

For parents of teenage boys, know that there are girls that will do whatever is necessary to get to your son. Little Susie ain't as sweet as she used to be. I saw the pics posted on Fb after our last cruise ship We need to redefine predators. I am a paranoid mom of a teenage son.

 

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This is a major thing for us as well, in life and on a ship. We talk to our 18yo son often because there have been people in his life that will try to flatter and manipulate. A good kid could wind up with a ruined life if he doesn't protect himself. We are blessed in that he is open with us and will come and be honest and talk to us about what he encounters.

Kindergarteners just the same as a senior in high school. :(

 

As far as compulsory school attendance laws it gets really confusing. Kindergarten is if you turn 5 before Sept 1. Statute specifies that "all children who have attained the age of six years or who will have attained the age of 6 years by February 1 of any school year are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term." So since my son turned 6 in October of his Kindergarten year I think that means it was mandatory. So the choice is only for those whose children will turn six after Feb 1. Now is Kindergarten mandatory? "If a child enters public school at age 6 without evidence of kindergarten completion of an official transcript, then they will be placed in the first program of study, and that is kindergarten." To me that means yes the only choice a parent has is if their child has a birthday after Feb 1 and before Sept 1 they can delay it a year.

 

Oh and talking about mandatory if you have an ESE child and they go to the 18 - 22 year old program through the school system it applies to them too. The issue is that using ones brain is not an option.

 

Could anything get more convoluted?

One of the many reasons that we opt out.

I don't see that as putting education last. You seem to be of the firm belief that knowledge can only be gained by sitting in the classroom. I disagree. Just look at all the online courses that are being offered now. Just last week my DD(16) was struggling with a Chemistry concept that the teacher was failing to help her understand. She did her own research on-line and was able to find a site that did help her understand. They had a quiz on it yesterday. She passed, almost everyone else in the class failed. Teachers are a great and valuable resourse when they work with the kids to help them understand the concepts they need to learn, but they are not the only way for kids to learn those concepts...

 

I have a high regard for teachers, my Grandmother and Aunt were both wonderful teachers and I had some great ones growing up. My DD is thinking about becoming an elementary teacher. But I don't believe that they are the only way for children to learn and missing a week of school, especially in elementary and early middle school, will not harm them as much as you seem to think it will. My DS(19) graduated in the top 10% of his senior class and is now excelling in a local University (a half semester ahead of his peers as he was dual enrolled his senior year) and DD(16) is an A average student in high school. They were able to learn the material missed during those early years on week long vacations and they did not suffer for it. I'm willing to bet that they have a lot of memories of those weeks on vacation and the kids that were sitting in class that week, remember very little, if any, of what was taught during that week.

Great post.

Any thoughts on pulling kids (kindergarten and 2nd grade - both doing above average) out for 8 weeks? I was just offered a once in a life time sabbatical for work and my family live in New Zealand. There is a cruise leaving shortly for 41 nights Seattle to Auckland that we're tempted to take and home school from the schools work books over that time frame. Principal is supportive but I am concerned.

If it was me I would do it without hesitation.

We cruised the Navigator of the Sea in March 9-15th. While in the Grand Caymans I found a memory card on the street. It has wedding pictures and what looks like to me a cruise in the med. The day we were there there were five other ships. I didn't know how to begin this search for someone to return their card. Hopefully someone is reading this. (Sorry no wedding night photos lol.)

http://www.camerafound.com/

I have only gone to 1 adult comedy show and that was enough for me to know that its just not my brand of "funny". I wouldn't allow my 17yo to go for this reason and because its against the rules. I teach my kids to follow rules until and unless they would have to violate their faith to do so.

You can have plenty of money and be low class, character makes the man not the size of his bank account.

:):):)

Our kids will be 21,20,18,16,13,10,8 and 7 when we cruise this time.

The 21,20,18 are permitted to go places on their own but adhere to the family rules for safety purposes. The two oldest are freshman and juniors in college and live away from home, so they make their own decisions and limitations already.

The 18yo works a part time job and does many volunteer activities on his own and has also flown out of state (alone) for various activities, so all of the rules apply to him except " always have a buddy". I don't imagine that he will go anywhere alone because he enjoys the company of his sibs and others that will be in our group.

The 16yo and 13yo are held to all of the rules, including not going anyplace alone, but if they were with us and needed to go someplace and back, we would allow that no problem.

The 10yo is a bright child who could actually run the house if I needed her to. She is also a responsible supervisor for her younger brothers. On a ship however, she is vulnerable and she falls under the strictest of rules as do the two little boys. They are either at camp or with the adults ( mom, dad, 21,20 or 18yo). I won't make any exceptions for these 3. My 10yo is a little girl and there is no way I would have her traveling alone through a city of strangers in a strange land.

I recreated my rules this year because they have grown a lot since their last cruise. I compiled some rules found here at the forum with my own specifics. You are welcome to use any part of it.

Our "check in" system is used to update or amend the tear off activity sheet that they give us in the morning. We will expect to find them at the activities they have marked unless they leave a message on our cabin phone to update. We check on our children. You don't see a curfew mentioned in our rules, because that will differ depending on the plans we have the next morning. Our kids need to come to our cabin every morning and leave their tear off sheets and we talk about the plan of the day (including curfew). My children know that in general, I feel that after 10pm there isn't much good going on

1. Always be with another member of our family or group, unless you are at camp. No roaming alone. NO traveling through “cabin only” hallways. Travel through public areas and meet up in public spaces such as the pool or a lounge.

2. Do not let anyone else into your cabin, and do not go into anyone else's cabin, ever. Leaving the door opened doesn’t make this acceptable. Anytime that you are in your cabin, hang the “Snoozin” sign on your door. This should keep the room steward out of your room while you are there. Be sure to remove it when you leave. Do not “hang out” in a private place with strangers, including crew members.

3. No rough playing anywhere on the ship. No playing in stairwells, hallways or elevators. Don’t push multiple elevator buttons! Don’t run anyplace or shout unless it’s part of an organized activity. NO climbing. Be careful not to drop or toss anything over a railing.

4. Use common sense and courtesies. Hold doors open for people behind you. Allow elevators to empty before getting on them. If it says “No kids allowed, then stay out! Sanitize Hands before eating. Don’t serve food with your fingers. Be nice to people around you and try not to be in a hurry.

5. If you hear the emergency horn blasts, proceed immediately to your assigned muster station (check your card). Do not return to your cabin for ANYTHING! Do not look for us. We will find you.

6. Do not accept a drink unless handed to you by family or bar tender. Do not drink anything that has been out of your sight. People have been known to sneak drugs into people’s drinks and then harm them.

7. Say hello to the person that takes care of your cabin. Introduce yourself and call them by name when you see them. Keep your room neat so that they don’t have to pick up after you before they can vacuum, make the bed and wipe down the bathroom. If you order room service, you MUST tip the delivery person $1 for each person who is in your room. This comes out of your own money. Never take or order more food than you can eat.

8. Always use the “check in” system you have been taught. Failure to do so will result in 4-12 daytime hours by our side or in your cabin, depending on the particulars and how much you’ve inconvenienced the rest of your family.

Yeah if your case is - "It is the obligation and responsibility of the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare, as defined in s. 39.01(47), to comply with the requirements of this section."

 

Which means "Parents need to bring a car seat" - taxi drivers and limo divers are exempt and are not held liable under the law.

 

I was stopped by the transportation desk at the Miami airport before they would call a taxi for me and asked where my car seat was. And we had one.

Well said. That's exactly what I was thinking.

I had a wallet stolen from a (front worn) fanny pack in the early 90's while walking in Tijuana, Mx. I wasn't naïve but some kid in a crowd still managed to get it from me AND re-zip the bag. I had a "strange feeling" and checked my bag and then replayed the whole thing in my mind. Believe it or not, I ran after the kid and got my wallet back. Shop keepers watched the entire thing play out down the whole block. Afterwards I realized how stupid that actually may have been, but I was pretty mad. I was 5ft and 87 pounds at the time, so they probably thought I was a kid.

I wear a very small cross body bag underneath my shirt. Its so low profile that I'm not even asked to remove it when I go on state side amusement park rides. It fits my ID, cash, smartphone. I don't take my passport ashore with me. I would recommend something along those lines. For ladies Baggallini makes the teeny bag.

This one is pretty but the color is "natural" . Seems to fit every other aspect of your criteria though and is on sale for $86.

This one does come in white. It is half lined and is sheer on the bottom half. It is $88.

This one has a built in bra, so not sure if it would work for you or not. Its very flowy and comes in white. $54

Anyone out there used a debit card for your on board account? If yes, what was your experience?

 

Thanks!!!

We have a second debit visa account for vacations. Haven't had any problems.

Their more expensive price that includes the snorkeling is where they take you out to the little area in front of the island to snorkel the reef. That is where I didn't go. I was perfectly happy snorkeling right there at LFK at both beaches. There was plenty enough for me to see and I enjoyed it.

 

However, you can get in one of their canoes (and if I have the chance to go there again, this is what I'll do) and paddle out to the boat where everyone else is and snorkel on your own for free. :D

 

At both beach areas, there will be plenty of fish and sea life. That's where all of my pictures came from and I have a bunch more that I didn't even share. I mean one can only take so many snorkeling pictures right? :p You won't see all of the beautiful coral and such, but I was ok with that. I was able to see things that I hadn't seen before and whenever I can see something new, it makes for a good satisfying day for me. We have our own equipment too. So, that might matter to others as to whether or not you do their snorkeling package (if you didn't have your own). :)

This was VERY helpful. Thank you for taking the time to reply :)

Does anyone know which zip LFK uses for the one included in their package ?

I am enjoying your review :)

I was wondering.... at LFK, do you have to pay for snorkeling in order to snorkel ? When I received the informational email from them it had a package that was price higher that included snorkeling. Were you able to snorkel for free if you had your own equipment ? Would I be okay to just go with the basic package of transportation and lunch if I have people that really want to snorkel ?